Hermès USA Presents the Hermès WIHS Equitation Finals at the 55th Annual Washington International Horse Show

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An expert in the making of equestrian products since 1837, Hermès is delighted to be a supporter of leading sporting events around the world. In keeping with a long tradition of encouragement for new riding talent, Hermès USA is proud to present the Hermès WIHS Equitation Finals, a highlight of the 55th Annual Washington International Horse Show.

An expert in the making of equestrian products since 1837, Hermès is delighted to be a supporter of leading sporting events around the world. In keeping with a long tradition of encouragement for new riding talent, Hermès USA is proud to present the Hermès WIHS Equitation Finals, a highlight of the 55th Annual Washington International Horse Show. As Robert B Chavez, President & CEO Hermès USA comments: “We are passionate about equestrian competition in expressing our heritage and values, however it is especially exciting for us to provide support for young riders who represent the bright future of the sport. It gives us great pleasure to support this event which demonstrates the passion and commitment of emerging talent active in show jumping today.”

The Hermès WIHS Equitation Finals is a dynamic showcase for precision, performance and sporting achievement seen at the highest level of equestrian competition. The event is an opportunity for forty of the nation’s top junior talent to compete at a prestigious national event which has consistently served as a proving ground for future Grand Prix and Olympic riders. The Hermès WIHS Equitation Finals will take place at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. on Friday, October 25th and Saturday, October 26th, 2013 as part of the WIHS program of elite equestrian competition.

The Hermès WIHS Equitation Finals is a true exhibition of elegance in motion as competitors in the class are judged on their technical precision and riding style. Riders must qualify based on points earned in the WIHS Equitation classes held at various shows throughout the year. Thirty riders will be invited from the East Coast League and ten from the West Coast League. The winner of the esteemed title will receive a Hermès Cavale, the new jumping saddle launched earlier this year at Le Saut Hermès, an international event staged at the Grand Palais in the heart of Paris. The Hermès Cavale combines expert saddle-making knowledge, artisanal craftsmanship and technical expertise designed for riders competing at the highest international level.

“It’s an honor to have Hermès sponsor the Washington International Horse Show Equitation Finals,” said WIHS Executive Director Bridget Love Meehan. “Hermès is a historic equestrian brand that complements the quality and unique experience of our horse show.”

About Hermès Equestrian Heritage
The house of Hermès was founded in 1837 as a maker of harnesses and saddles. It was this meeting of horse and leather, creature and craft that narrated a story still told today. As it did for French presidents and royal families around the world, each saddle began with the rider and its choice of the purest of leathers. Stretched and re-stretched, smoothed, beveled along the edges and furbished, the assembly of each saddle is embedded with knowledge, technique, passion and precision. Painstakingly, craftsmen secure each seam by hand using two needles, also known as the “saddle stitch.” Each saddle is identified by an Hermès stamp and individual registry number so it could be returned to the workshop in the many years to come, and placed in the same hands that created its unmistakable quality.

Today, the house of Hermès is comprised of 16 product categories, and six generations of enterprising artisans that have opened up new domains imbued with respect for the past and enthusiasm for the future. Les Métiers Hermès are comprised of leather goods, silk scarves and ties, equestrian, fragrance, men and women’s ready-to-wear collections, watches, fine jewelry, Maison and Art de Table.

About the Washington International Horse Show, wihs.orgEstablished in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show attracts more than 20,000 spectators to the six-day show, which includes Olympic-level competition along with community and charity events. More than 500 top horses and riders come to D.C. from all over the globe to jump for nearly half a million dollars in prize money. Event highlights include the Puissance high jump competition on Military Night (Friday), the $125,000 President's Cup Grand Prix, a World Cup qualifier (Saturday night) and Kids' Day (Saturday), a free, fun and educational community event. The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.